Living Danishly at Søstrene Grene, Nottingham.
A few months ago my mate and fellow Nottingham blogger, Alex Muir, who blogs over at mylifelongholiday.com, messaged me to see if I’d been to Søstrene Grene. I’d never even heard of it, let alone visited the Danish home store, despite it being hugely popular throughout Europe. I’m so glad Alex gave me the ‘heads up’ because when I paid a visit to the Nottingham store, the first of its kind in the UK, I was smitten.
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- Jars full of ribbons
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- Candles and Napkins
Søstrene Grene is filled with some of my favourite things. It may not be the largest store in the Victoria Centre, but not an inch of the space is wasted. There are shelves brimming with a wide range of items from homewares to craft supplies, from greeting cards to kitchenware. The displays are beautiful too.
So what’s Sostrene Grene like? Think ‘Ikea Marketplace’ or an upmarket ‘Tiger’ (another Danish offering) and you’ll get the idea. Like Ikea and Tiger, the layout is a ‘walk-through’ shopping concept where you are guided through the various departments along a prescribed route.
The Søstrene Grene Story.
So what’s the story?
In 1973, the wonderful tale of Søstrene Grene began in Aarhus, Denmark. It is the story of the two elderly Grene sisters, Anna and Clara, who diligently work to create little, bright differences in the everyday. Anna and Clara are able to find beauty and happiness in even the smallest of things, and they hope to share their excitement with the rest of the world. Therefore, they have created a chain of retail shops that house a truly special atmosphere. Walking into one of these shops is meant to feel like entering an oasis where, at least for a moment, shoppers can take a break from the hectic pace of everyday life. In this way, the sisters seek to set the stage for wonderful experiences and joyful moments. Experiences that encourage people to explore and let their imaginations run free. As Anna is fond of saying, ‘With a curious and creative mind, even the smallest things can become something wonderful.’
Søstrene Grene, Nottingham.
Whenever I cross the threshold of the Nottingham store, on the upper floor of Intu Victoria Centre, near House of Fraser, the Grene Sisters cast a spell on me that immediately lifts my spirits. I delight in row upon row of beautiful things for the home.
As well as a wide range of products, Søstrene Grene offers such a positive and calming shopping experience. It’s ‘Hygge on the high street’, my ‘Happy place.’ I love visiting the store, and I’ve been several times since my first visit, with the colourful displays featuring regularly on my Instagram feed.
In my opinion, it’s Søstrene Grene’s ambience and atmosphere that sets it apart from Ikea and Tiger. It’s all about the Danish way of living: it’s all about Hygge, or to use my favourite translation, ‘cosiness of the soul’, (Read all about it HERE). Søstrene Grene oozes Hygge, from the subdued lighting to the relaxing sound of classical music welcoming you through its doors like a warm hug.
As I cast my eyes around the shelves filled with all manner of beautiful ceramics, accessories and homewares, I feel inspired and my mind starts pinging with ideas for gifts, crafts and more. I imagine filling the lidded glass jars with gifts for loved ones, such as sewing supplies for Grandma Spikes and toiletries for Eldest. I think of all the things I could make with the craft and art supplies.
Quality products at great prices.
As a price-conscious shopper, I love the fact that Søstrene Grene offers shoppers high-quality items at an affordable price. You’ll find wool, wrapping paper and bakeware at lower prices than comparable products in well-known high street stores.
Examples of some of the products and prices:
- Giftwrap from £0.84 for 2m.
- Gift bags and tags from £0.44
- Christmas ornaments from £0.77
- Ceramic trees from £0.84
- Cards from £1.22
- Cushions from £9.68.
A very Danish Christmas.
Like many stores throughout the UK, Christmas has arrived at Søstrene Grene, but as well as the usual candles and baubles, you’ll find some delightfully Danish offerings too. I love the natural colour schemes, the beautiful simplicity of the wooden decorations and the warmth and texture of the fur cushions.
If your taste in Christmas decorations is more traditional than ‘Scandi’, don’t worry, there’s something for everyone from brightly coloured baubles…
to reindeer antlers…
and Santa’s little helpers.
Have a look at some of the Christmas items I picked up during my recent visit to the Nottingham Store:
Find out more.
Søstrene Grene has carved a cosy niche for itself since 1973, offering ‘a sensuous world of classical tones, aesthetics and cosiness’ to those who walk through its doors. The brand continues to go from strength to strength, with more stores opening across Europe every year.
Having enjoyed my frequent visits to the Nottingham store, I have no doubt it will be the first of many UK cities to embrace the Grene Sisters, their beautiful range of gifts and homewares from around the world, and the uniquely Danish shopping experience.
To find out more about Søstrene Grene, why not visit their website: Søstrene Grene
You can also browse through their Christmas Catalogue: Søstrene Grene Christmas Catalogue.
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This is a collaborative post – as always, my words and opinions are my own.
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